Northern Rock denies 'Axis of Evil' Claim

Northern Rock has hit back at George W Bush's claim that it is part of the Axis of Evil by saying that it was "just a case of sour grapes" by the US President.

In recent months, Bush has listed a number of organisations as part of the Axis, including Iran, North Korea, most London minicab drivers, Jamie Oliver, "anybody who was married to a former US President and wants to become President herself" and, most controversially, Osama bin Liner's Al Qaeda Mountain Animal Rescue Centre.

White House officials were quick to deny that the President's comments were linked to the appearance of a 'For Sale' sign outside the White House. "Any suggestion that any bank or savings and loan is foreclosing on this administration will be met by a pre-emptive strike. It'll be Shock and Awe all over again!"

However, senior insiders at the Department of Defense have made it clear that they would not be able to raise the funds for such a strike. "The only strike we'll be going on is the writers' strike in Hollywood!"